Town fights plan to close down court to cut the cost of justice

An official review recently prepared by Her Majesty's Court Service suggests Barnsley's county court is shut, with responsibility for the town being taken on by staff in Sheffield.

Around 15 staff could lose their jobs if the plan goes ahead, and it is claimed local businesses and residents will face a "significant disadvantage".

Barnsley Council has now decided to take up the fight for the court's future and a meeting of the authority's ruling cabinet next week is set to authorise an official objection.

In a report to be examined at the meeting, Barnsley's borough secretary Andrew Frosdick recommends the council "registers its strong objection" to the HMCS proposals.

He also recommends that if the court is closed, then its work is transferred to Barnsley Magistrates' Court so local people can easily access services currently on offer.

Mr Frosdick says: "If the proposal is put into effect, Barnsley would be the only local government area in South Yorkshire without a county court service.

"There is no proposal to close Sheffield, Rotherham or Doncaster county courts. At present Barnsley has a full jurisdiction, including bankruptcy, a High Court District Registry and a family hearing centre.

"Particular note should be taken of the latter jurisdiction as this will be an important service to local families experiencing matrimonial and family problems that will require court attention.

"It is also important to note that Barnsley county court will deal with debt recovery cases and housing possession cases, including in relation to the council's housing stock.

"This will be important to citizens too, perhaps especially among the more disadvantaged. Small claims can also be pursued there by individuals or small businesses."

HMCS is part of the Ministry of Justice, led by Tory minister Kenneth Clarke, and it was announced last week the department would be making cuts of 2bn to its 9bn budget.

The service's report on Barnsley County Court suggests capacity exists in Sheffield for work to be taken on and says the large main court room is used on just one day a week.

It says user facilities are not satisfactory and the building requires 315,000 worth of maintenance.

But the council claims that to shut it would result in a "reduced access to justice" for people living in the town, who would be put defending their rights if they had to travel to Sheffield.

Mr Frosdick adds: "The additional time and expense and general inconvenience in attending at Sheffield rather that Barnsley may will tip the balance in dissuading individuals and businesses from bringing a case.

"Small businesses in particular, where time means money, may feel that it is better to cut their losses."

Mr Frosdick said the council had been approached for support by local law firms.

It is understood Barnsley Law Society is also preparing representations to HMCS to protest and concerns will also be raised about what would happen to the building in Regent Street if it were abandoned.

The closure proposal is subject to a consultation process which ends on September 15.